Agreement on Agriculture and Food Security: South Asian Perspective

Abstract

In South Asia agriculture is not merely a matter of commerce but a means of livelihood and a pattern of rural life. The agriculture sector however, is the most heavily protected sector in the world economy. The attempt to liberalize the agriculture trading sector through the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) negotiated during the Uruguay Round and secure greater market access to the agricultural products of developing countries, has had mixed results. In actual implementation the AoA did not mean much to the developing countries due to the discriminatory nature of the Agreement.

Further, opening the market alone does not serve the purpose unless supply side constraints are eliminated or minimised. Hence both a programme of sensible domestic policies as well as international lobbying to make the process of liberalization more transparent and equitable should be undertaken by South Asian and developing countries.